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Haskell's captaincy hopes
Back row star wants to lead England and Wasps
Last updated: 29th July 2008
Haskell: Ambitious
It has always been my dream to captain my club and country. I have the personality and attitude to do it and everyone knows that is my goal. But it's about timing.
James Haskell
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Wasps and England back row James Haskell has admitted that it is his dream to captain both club and country.
The 23-year-old flank, who played a major role in Wasps charge to Guinness Premiership glory last season, is believed to be one of the leading names being considered as Lawrence Dallaglio's replacement at Adams Park.
However, the ambitious Haskell would also like to lead out his country - with England manager Martin Johnson yet to formal announce his new captain.
"The captaincy hasn't been decided yet," he told The Sun.
"At Wasps, not many people have the same experience as Lawrence, so it would be hard to expect one of the younger players to step up straight away.
"But it has always been my dream to captain my club and country. I have the personality and attitude to do it and everyone knows that is my goal. But it's about timing.
Decisions
"I'll keep looking to improve and hopefully whoever makes those decisions will think I'm the man for that job.
"The person who is first on the team sheet should be captain. Too often in sport the captain is chosen first then the team around them, even though they might not be playing well enough to guarantee their place.
"I don't think that's the best way and I think that will be Martin's policy. It's bringing a good sense of competition already.
"There's nothing hairy fairy about Martin Johnson. He doesn't care about reputations. It's all about how someone is performing and how you carry yourself.
"He's picked an exciting squad and left some big names out - but it's a challenge to those guys now to raise their game."
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Comments (7)
Nicholas Dalby-welsh says...
England back line should be - 9. - Ellis 10. Cipriani 11. - Sackey 12. - Wilkinson / Barkley / Riki Flutey 13. - Tait / Tindel / Noon / Dan Hipkiss 14. - Simpson-Daniel / Ojo /Tom Varndell 15, - Lewsey / Balshaw / Shane Geraghty
Posted 12:15 1st August 2008
Neiljohnson Johnson says...
let us first get a team together that can show that they are capable of performing at a level worthy of selection for England. Mr. Johnson and the players will know who is the prime candidate for the captaincy.
Posted 23:21 31st July 2008
Conor Scannell says...
Dallaghio was of a similar age to haskell when he was giving the wasps captaincy and look where he got!
Posted 21:19 31st July 2008
Ady Lawrence says...
posibly when he is old enough i.e in about 5yrs, yes, life and games do matter. By the way just like his old boss it is what is inbetween the ears that counts (Mr johnson and prior, inc WB)
Posted 23:10 29th July 2008
Ben Miller says...
Haskell, in my opinion seems the right sort off character to lead out wasps. Its almost tradition at wasps for a strong internatinal forward to be captain (e.g.dallaglio). but perhaps this may be abit soon for him to be taking on the role off captain so early on in his career. Having said that, making him captain would guarantee a leader, who has the potential to be as great as Dallaglio, for many years to come. as for Cipriani as captain...no chance, hes great player but not captain material...The guy belows suggestion for the england backs line is awfull...we wud get spanked by everyone if we played that...
Posted 17:42 29th July 2008
Curtis Apthorp says...
I think haskell will make a good captain for both england and wasps although i do beleive that with ciprianis conidence he will one day captain both but he cant be named captain yet as obviously his injury and i think he needs to establish himself at international level first. off topic i think back line for england should be: care, lamb, sackey, flood, tait, ojo, cipriani i would play cipriani at fly half but dont feel we hav enough cover at full back if he does so.
Posted 17:08 28th July 2008
Hannah Baker says...
i think james is a ideal choise been a mager wasps surporter and having met him and talk to him myself he seems to have great chartoristics to be a captin for his team annd country he is focused and always plays to the best he can is a great imcurager detrimined and extreamly good sports man yet hes only young i wish him all the best
Posted 14:11 28th July 2008